In the early morning of April 2, 2015, Garissa University College became the target of a brutal assault by armed militants affiliated with Al-Shabaab, a militant group based in Somalia. As the attackers breached the campus, they opened fire indiscriminately on students and staff, sparking panic and chaos. The militants, heavily armed and well-organized, took several students hostage, barricading themselves within the university premises. The Kenyan security forces quickly responded, engaging in a lengthy standoff that lasted for hours.

The militants specifically targeted Christian students, a disturbing aspect that highlighted their motivation rooted in religious extremism. As the attack unfolded, a series of gunfire and explosions echoed through the campus, leading to a high casualty count. The harrowing scene left the community and nation reeling, with families desperately seeking news of their loved ones. Police eventually stormed the buildings, resulting in the deaths of the attackers and the liberation of many hostages.

This attack bore grim similarities to previous assaults on schools and educational institutions in Kenya and raised significant concerns about security measures in place to protect students. The aftermath of the massacre saw an intensified crackdown on terrorism within the country and a reflection on the pervasive threat posed by Al-Shabaab, particularly in northeastern Kenya. The incident not only resonated deeply within Kenyan society but drew international condemnation and prompted discussions on counter-terrorism strategies.